1.   Even with the improved ratings, Owens-Illinois had to pay investors a slightly higher yield than they could receive from similarly rated issues.

2.   Investors will get the chance to bid on several other highly rated issues.

3.   The prices of some rated issues tied to Orange County, like the Irvine Ranch Water District, have risen in the last few days.

4.   For RAM, he said, the bulk of its income will continue to be generated from the surveillance exercise from past rated issues.